Liability [Simon Ghost Riley]

old times

As they sat together on the bed, Simon leaned back against the headboard, Phoebe nestled comfortably against his side. Their breakfast tray had been moved aside, leaving the two of them with nothing but each other and the quiet morning. Phoebe played with the edge of the blanket as she glanced up at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"I've been thinking about something," she began, her voice soft but tinged with amusement.

Simon arched a brow, glancing down at her. "What's that?"

"When we first met, why were you so... mean to me?" she asked, the question half-teasing, half-serious. "I mean, you really went out of your way to make me feel unwelcome."

Simon sighed deeply, his jaw tightening as he rubbed the back of his neck. "love,"

Phoebe grinned, shaking her head. "Tell me, Si I won't be mad."

"I feel like this is a trap"

"Please" she asks softly

He exhaled, his shoulders sagging slightly as he thought back to that time. "Right. When I found out you were coming to work with us as a medic. No field experience, no combat training... I learned you were Emma's kid sister, and Laswell was the one who approved it. Had me fumin'."

Phoebe's brow furrowed, but she stayed quiet, letting him continue.

"I was already juggling enough," he admitted. "I didn't want to be responsible for someone else, especially someone else. Missions were hard enough without having to worry about a rookie medic who might not make it out." He paused, a small smirk playing on his lips. "And then I saw you."

Phoebe tilted her head, intrigued. "And?"

"And everything changed," Simon said, his tone softening. "You were... gorgeous. Most beautiful bird I'd ever seen - threw me off completely. Then you had a go at me—stood your ground, didn't take my shit—I knew I was fucked."

Phoebe laughed, her cheeks flushing. "So you were mean to me because you liked me?"

Simon let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "I didn't know how to deal with how I felt about you. I kept telling myself it was better to keep my distance, better to keep you safe by staying away. But it didn't work. I cared about you, more than I wanted to admit, and it scared the hell out of me."

Phoebe reached out and took his hand, her fingers tracing over his knuckles. "I had no idea."

Simon looked down at their hands, his voice quieter now. "I never apologized for how I treated you back then, did I? I was a right fucking dickhead. I wanted to. I was planning to that night when I found out what happened with that soldier."

Phoebe stiffened slightly, her grip on his hand tightening. "I didn't know that."

Simon's jaw clenched, the memory still raw. "When you told me you didn't want to escalate the situation, I couldn't let it go. I checked the cameras, listened to what he said to you, and I snapped. I was so angry—at him, and at myself for how conflicted I'd been about you. I couldn't contain it."

Phoebe nodded, her voice soft. "I figured when you brought me food, it was your way of apologizing. One of the first things I learned about you was that you're not great with words. So I forgave you."

Simon smiled faintly, his thumb brushing over her hand. "Guess I got lucky you're so understanding."

She smiled back, a flicker of emotion in her eyes. "You know, Johnny told me once that you were the most loyal man in the world, but it was hard for you to trust people. He said once you did, though, there was nothing you wouldn't do for them. That hit home for me when you defended me. I knew he was right."

Simon's expression softened, and he nodded. "Johnny was a cheeky bastard, but he's right."

Phoebe shifted, sitting up slightly. "I like reminiscing about those times, as rough as they were. It reminds me of how far we've come."

Simon grumbled, his lips twitching in a reluctant smile. "Yeah"

She laughed, leaning closer. "What did you think when I was sent into the field to save Kyle's life?"

Simon's expression grew serious, his voice low. "I was fucking terrified. I've never felt that way in the field before. Seeing you there, running toward danger... it was like a shot to the gut."

Phoebe nodded, her smile bittersweet. "I was scared too. But I kept telling myself I'd be okay because you were there."

He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing over her skin. "I never would have let anything happen"

"I know"

Phoebe leaned back against Simon's chest, resting comfortably in his arms as they reminisced. The sun was streaming through the window, casting a soft glow over them as they talked about the past. She tilted her head up slightly to look at him, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Do you remember that time I was going out with Johnny and Kyle, and I asked you to come with us?" she asked her tone light and teasing.

Simon groaned softly, rubbing a hand down his face. "How do you remember that?"

She chuckled. "I remember everything"

He let out a soft laugh, resting his hand on her thigh. "You asked, and I said no at first. Then you mentioned you were going to pubs, and I changed my mind."

She grinned. "You changed your mind so fast I almost got whiplash. Why was that?"

He hesitated, then sighed. "I didn't like the idea of you going to a pub. You're American, gorgeous, and... well, you'd get eaten alive. Those places can be rough."

Phoebe raised an eyebrow. "I had Johnny and Kyle with me. I would've been fine."

Simon smirked, squeezing her thigh lightly. "But it didn't sit right with me, you going somewhere I couldn't be to keep an eye on things. So I decided to come along."

She turned slightly to look at him, her grin widening. "Were you jealous?"

He rolled his eyes, but the corner of his mouth twitched with a hint of a smile. "Don't push it."

She laughed, leaning into him. "You were! You didn't want anyone else getting too close."

Simon groaned and, in one swift motion, grabbed her, pulling her fully into his arms. She squealed in surprise as he tickled her sides, her laughter ringing through the room.

"Stop messing with me," he said, his tone playful as he leaned down to kiss her cheek.

Still giggling, she squirmed in his hold. "Okay, okay! Truce!"

He released her, still holding her close, and rested his chin on her shoulder. "You know, I'm glad I went that night. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have gotten to see you punch that guy."

Phoebe threw her head back, laughing loudly. "Oh my God, my hand hurt so bad after that!"

Simon grumbled, shaking his head. "That punch was one of the best things I've ever seen."

She snuggled back into his chest, her laughter subsiding into a contented smile. "It was definitely a memorable night. I didn't think you'd actually come, but I'm glad you did."

He wrapped his arms around her tighter, his voice soft. "I'm glad, too. And I'm lucky you forgave me for being such a bastard back then. If you hadn't pushed me, I'd have been regretting it for the rest of my life."

Phoebe reached up to touch his hand, her fingers lacing with his. "I forgave you because I saw who you really are. You've always been worth it, Simon."

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, holding her close. "You saved me more than I ever saved you, Phoebe. I hope you know that."

Her heart swelled as she leaned into his embrace, feeling the weight of his words settle around them. They stayed like that, wrapped in each other, the past a bittersweet memory that only strengthened the bond they shared.